Shirley Ann Keck, age 90 of North Platte, went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday January 3, 2018 at Great Plains Health with her family by her side. She joined the love of her life William C. Keck “Bill Sr.” on his birthday, as well as their son Eddie.

Shirley was born on February 1, 1927 in Manning, IA to Herbert L. and Francis (Lukegord) Blair. She moved with her family to Grand Island in 1943. She attended various schools in Iowa and Nebraska. She met William C. Keck Sr. in Grand Island and they were married on Valentine’s Day 1944 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. They were married for 54 years, until Bill Sr. passed away in 1998. To their union 10 children were born, Bill “Butch” Jr., Bonnie, Allan, Steve, Kathy, Kenny and Keven, Dorothy, Ed, and Dick. She was the light of her family’s life, she was always there for her children, cooking, cleaning, hugging, and made raising 10 children look like it was the simplest thing in the world! All she needed was a 10 minute nap and she was back running circles around her kids and eventually her grandkids! In addition to her own children, she was dearly loved and known as “Mom” to many of her children’s’ friends. Shirley had endless energy, not only caring for her family, but also working full time as a waitress at The Liederkranz Private Club in Grand Island and part time at the Motel 6 at the front desk where she enjoyed meeting many people. Together she and Bill Sr. owned Neimono’s Costume Shop in their home, renting costumes all over the country and making memories with their Halloween decorations and pumpkins. She was a member of the Eagle’s Women’s Auxiliary Club, American Veteran’s Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Rosary Group. She prayed the Rosary daily. She and her good friend, the late Phyllis Wilkens, volunteered at elementary schools sharing knowledge on the history of the American Flag. She also volunteered at the Bargain Bin where she enjoyed the relationships she developed there. She was available to attend and be involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and sports. She was a true friend to all, thinking of others above herself. They say “Angels walk among us” and anyone who knew Shirley knew that to be true. She leaves behind the Keck Legacy of 10 children, 92 grand and great and great great grandchildren, plus 3 on the way.

Shirley is survived by 9 children, Butch “Bill” Jr. of Omaha, NE, Bonnie Jo Tilford of North Platte, Allan of Grand Island, Steve (Cindy) of North Platte, Kathy Buck of North Platte, Kenny (Teresa) of North Platte, Keven (Alice) of North Platte, Dorothy (Hubert Sorrells) Savory of North Platte, and Dick (Kristi) of Kearney; a large combination of 92 grandchildren including great and great-great grandchildren, with 3 on the way; brothers Bonard Blair of Grand Island and Bob Blair of Lincoln; sisters-in-law Joy Robertson of Grand Island and Patty Knutson of Omaha; as well as many other extended family members and friends; and her beloved dog Sweetie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband William C. Keck “Bill Sr.”; son Edward “Eddie”; infant granddaughters Abigail Dobesh and Lillian “Lilly” Merksick; grandson Billy Huckins; granddaughter Tier Petty; sister Betty Rehder;  and brother Richard Blair.

Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Fund or North Platte Meals on Wheels and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday January 5, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday January 6, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant. Visitation will be from noon until 5:00 p.m. Friday January 5, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Rhonda Kaye (Hartzog) Johnson was born the oldest child of Kenneth Ronald Hartzog and Marylou (Hageman) Hartzog on April 23, 1952 at The Health Center in Phillipsburg, KS.  Rhonda passed away on January 2, 2018 in North Platte, NE at the age of 65 years old.

Rhonda lived with her family in Phillipsburg until 1961, when her dad was transferred with the Debus Bread Company to Ogallala, NE.  She attended Ogallala Public Schools from the 4th grade until she graduated from OHS in 1970.  After graduation, she moved to Denver, CO and attended Swedish Hospital School of Radiology.  On July 3, 1971, Rhonda married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, James B. Johnson at the Congregational Church in Ogallala.  After their marriage they moved to Sheppard Air Force Base, where Jim was enlisted in the U. S. Air Force.  They later moved to Chanute Air Force Base in Champaign County, IL.  Jim was then stationed at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY where he received his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1975.  Rhonda accompanied her husband through his Air Force career and was an outstanding military wife.  During their stay in Cheyenne, Rhonda and Jim’s first daughter was born, Mindy Ruth.  After Jim’s discharge, Rhonda, Jim and Mindy remained in Cheyenne until 1976 when they moved to Lincoln, NE where Jim attended the University of Nebraska.  Rhonda chose to be a stay at home mother and while in Lincoln they welcomed their second daughter, Jami Lynn.  In June of 1977, the family moved to North Platte, NE, where they have resided for 40 years.  When Rhonda’s children were a little older, Rhonda started her 31 year career as a checker at West Field Sixth Street Food Store, which later became SunMart.  She enjoyed her career and meeting her many customers, who she called her friends.  After her retirement, Rhonda enjoyed her time with Jim, and she especially enjoyed the ability to spend more time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.  She would do anything for her grandchildren, even listening to current popular rock music in the car with them!

Rhonda was preceded in death by her daughter, Jami Lynn Wilcox; father Ronald Hartzog; brother, Bradley Hartzog; and brother-in-law, Mark Stutzman.

Rhonda leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 46 years, Jim Johnson; and daughter Mindy Crow, both of North Platte; mother, Marylou Hartzog of Ogallala; sister, Jan Stutzman and her special friend, Dan Janak of Ogallala; brothers, Michael Hartzog and his wife Barbara of Orleans, NE and Bruce Hartzog and his wife Roxie of Ogallala; her loving grandchildren, Tyler Crow and his fiancé Kylie Morrison-Sloat of Kansas City, MO; Braden Langemeier of Lincoln; Jensen and Ali Crow of North Platte; and Kailey and Kassidy Wilcox of Indianola, NE.  She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and her many, many friends.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated by the family at a later date.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Brent Montgomery officiating.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday January 5, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Rodney T. “Rod” Swanson, age 81 of North Platte, passed away December 30, 2017 at Great Plains Health surrounded by his family and due to complications of pneumonia. He was born June 6, 1936 to Torry and Ana (Nitler) Swanson at Burwell, NE. Rod graduated from Burwell High School. He worked various jobs throughout his life including North Platte Lumber and recently for Cornhusker Cleaning and as a custodian at North Platte High School. Rod loved animals and helping his family. He loved fishing, camping at Lake McConaughy, and Nebraska Football. His barbecued ribs were the best, his potato salad was awesome, and his sugar cookies were spectacular.

He is survived by his wife Anita, daughters, Teresa Deterding and Cristy (Jerry) Thompson, grandchildren, Aubrey Ann Deterding, Aden and Lane Thompson, nephew, Jim Swanson, and two special friends, Gary and Ben.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert, Forrest, and Con Swanson.

Private services will be held. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9am to 5:30 pm Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.

Donna Miller, 92, of Cambridge, died Dec. 23, 2017, peacefully at home.

She was born on March 6, 1925, in Freedom to Allen T. Johnson and Lulu V. (Pickering) Johnson. She graduated high school from the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis in 1942.

She was married to Valarian D. “Curly” Miller in 1949 and lived in Wellfleet and North Platte, until retirement placed them in Cambridge.

Early in life, Donna taught school in several rural schools and also worked in the First National Bank in Cambridge. She was a devoted wife and mother and also worked as a bookkeeper at J.M. McDonald’s in North Platte for several years. She was an exceptional gardener and an avid painter. She loved playing piano and organ.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Lulu Johnson, and her husband, Valarian Miller.

She is survived by her sister, Ardys (Wendell) McKeown of El Segundo, California: three children, Monte (Nancy) Miller of Windsor, Colorado, Dwight (Sandy) Miller of North Platte and Robyn Miller of San Antonio, Texas; five grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family would also like to acknowledge her wonderful and dedicated caretakers, Angie and Jun Aniceto.

Private services will be at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. The family invites friends to celebrate Donna’s life from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, at her house, 807 Nelson St., in Cambridge.

Evelyn Joan Breeden, 89, of Cozad, died Dec. 20, 2017, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg.

She was born on Oct. 25, 1928, in Lexington, the daughter of Clarence and Ethel (Evans) Reiter. She attended school in Lexington, graduating from Lexington High School in 1946.

Evelyn married James Breeden on Nov. 27, 1949, in Lexington. To this union two children were born, Kathryn and Bill.

She worked for Evans Dress Shop in Lexington and Five & Dime in Cozad. Evelyn enjoyed reading in her spare time.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, James Cecil Breeden; parents, Clarence P. Reiter and Ethel Reiter; son, Bill Breeden; brother, Lee Reiter; and sisters, Mary Lou Taylor and Charlotte Selk, and their spouses.

Surviving her are her daughter, Kathryn (Ernest) Nelsen of North Platte; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Steve) Pfister of Lexington; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at blasestrauser.com.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, at Cozad Cemetery with Pastor Larry Viter officiating. Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel & Monuments, Gothenburg, is in charge of arrangements.